Board of Selectmen

CHELMSFORD -- Gail Beaudoin has stepped down from her role as chairwoman of the Chelmsford Housing Authority board.

Town Manager Paul Cohen announced Beaudoin’s resignation from the elected seat, effective Monday, at Monday night’s Board of Selectmen meeting.

In her resignation letter, Beaudoin cited a move to New Hampshire for a professional opportunity as the reason for her departure after more than 16 years on the board. She said it was “a very hard decision.”

“I have always felt so proud to be a part of this board as so many individuals have been positively affected as a result of the efforts of the board,” Beaudoin wrote. “I am truly grateful to be part of such an incredible organization.”

Cohen thanked Beaudoin for her service to the community and wished her well in her new endeavors.

A Chelmsford native, Beaudoin was one of the first and longest serving women on the Chelmsford Police Department. She retired as a lieutenant in July 2017 after 32 years on the force.

Cohen said selectmen will have to hold a joint meeting with the remaining members of the Housing Authority board to appoint someone to fill the vacancy until the spring town election.

In other business, the board approved:

* The sale of a tiny town-owned property on Willis Drive, previously acquired through a tax taking, to an adjacent property owner. Cohen said there were some deed issues the owner only recently discovered -- in fact, the house sits directly on the line between the two properties. After a title examination and further research, the town agreed to sell the 1,650-square-foot plot to the owner for $4,850.

* Roadside vendor permits for Chelmsford Little League and Central Congregational Church to sell Christmas trees.

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